TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader’s top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati underscored that his country does not allow the US or Europe to meddle with its defence issues, and stressed Tehran’s continue support for its allies in the region. “Our missile issues are related to the Islamic Republic’s decision and we don’t take permission from anyone to defend ourselves; we will use more advanced defensive possibilities to defend ourselves and it is among our redlines,” Velayati told reporters in Tehran on Saturday. “The Europeans, like the Americans, are not entitled to interfere in our defence issues and our presence in the region. Naturally, Iran defends its allies, including Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine,” he added. Noting that implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal shouldn’t be conditioned on any prerequisites, specially strategic issues, Velayati reiterated that Iran’s defence and missile capabilities are no way related to the foreigners. He also underscored that Iran is entitled to be present in the region given the fact that it is one of the regional states. Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2017.